You are building a web application that uses Microsoft Entra ID for authentication. The application needs to call Microsoft Graph API to read user profiles and send emails on behalf of the signed-in user. You want to ensure that the user's consent is obtained only once and that the application can refresh tokens silently. Which OAuth 2.0 flow should you implement?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
OAuth 2.0 Client Credentials flow.
Client Credentials flow is for server-to-server authentication without a user context. It cannot act on behalf of a signed-in user.
Distractor review
OAuth 2.0 Implicit Grant flow.
The Implicit flow is deprecated and does not support refresh tokens, requiring user interaction each time tokens expire. It is less secure than the Authorization Code flow with PKCE.
Best answer
OAuth 2.0 Authorization Code flow with PKCE (Proof Key for Code Exchange).
This flow is secure for web apps, provides refresh tokens for silent renewal, and obtains user consent during the initial authentication. It is the recommended flow by Microsoft for web applications calling APIs on behalf of users.
Distractor review
OAuth 2.0 Resource Owner Password Credentials (ROPC) flow.
ROPC flow requires the user to provide their password directly to the application, which is not recommended due to security risks. It also does not work with accounts that have multi-factor authentication or federated identities.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Related practice questions
Related AZ-204 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
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Question 4
You are developing a web app that authenticates users via Microsoft Entra ID. The app needs to read the user's profile and send emails on their behalf. You want to minimize user consent prompts. Which OAuth 2.0 grant type should you use?
Question 5
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Question 6
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-204 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: OAuth 2.0 Authorization Code flow with PKCE (Proof Key for Code Exchange). — The OAuth 2.0 Authorization Code Flow with PKCE is the recommended flow for web applications that need to access APIs on behalf of a user. It allows obtaining an authorization code that is exchanged for tokens, and supports refresh tokens for silent token renewal. Using the Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL) simplifies implementation.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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